By E, KNA
The State Department of Petroleum (SDP) held a stakeholders engagement forum in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, to gather views on the Draft Petroleum Amendment Bill 2025.
The session sought to enrich the existing Petroleum Act 2019 by incorporating public input and aligning the legal framework with emerging sector needs.
In remarks delivered on behalf of Petroleum PS, Mohamed Liban, by Senior Counsel Naomi Githui, it was noted that the Petroleum Act 2019 was designed to provide a framework for contracting, exploration, development, and production of petroleum. The amendments aim to reflect evolving industry practices while upholding constitutional values and principles of governance under Article 10.
“The need for this review has been occasioned by emerging issues in the petroleum sector and the requirement to align with best practices globally,” Liban’s statement read.
The forum emphasized that the draft regulations under review cover upstream and midstream operations, addressing licensing, safety, land access and compensation, cost management, and environmental health. Once enacted, the reforms are expected to strengthen Kenya’s petroleum legal and regulatory framework and position the country as a competitive investment destination.
James Kimayos, from the State Department of Petroleum, highlighted the objectives of the amendment, which include: Aligning the Act with international petroleum industry standards
, closing regulatory and operational gaps in upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.
, enhancing security of supply in public emergencies, streamlining administrative, licensing, and approval processes, improving clarity through editorial corrections.
Stakeholders and members of the public provided additional proposals. Jared Lagat, representing residents of Uasin Gishu, suggested involving the Water Regulatory Authority (WRA) in upstream operations to secure underground water resources during petroleum exploration. He stressed that such collaboration could prevent resource conflicts and environmental risks.
Other participants raised concerns about petroleum malpractice, such as adulteration and hawking, which endanger public safety. “There is a need to review regulations on environmental health and safety, especially concerning petrol station locations. Many are too close to each other in congested urban centers, posing real danger in case of explosions,” said Lagat.
Daniel Mutai from Nandi County echoed calls to curb fuel hawking in rural areas. “This practice is a safety and environmental hazard. We need stricter enforcement to bridge the gap between lawbreakers and regulators,” he remarked.
The forum also heard calls for stronger safeguards for persons with disabilities. Uasin Gishu County Disability Services Coordinator, Hellen Tuwei, urged disability mainstreaming in petroleum sector regulations. She recommended measures such as clear signage to distinguish petroleum products, accessible service buildings, and proper labeling of gas cylinders to ensure inclusivity.
PS Liban commended the broad participation of stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, industry experts, and the public. He reaffirmed the ministry’s vision of positioning Kenya as a regional leader in energy and petroleum, driving sustainable development while safeguarding public safety and the environment.
The Draft Petroleum Amendment Bill 2025 is being considered alongside seven draft upstream petroleum and gas regulations prepared by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). These regulations cover licensing operations, safety standards, land use, cost management, midstream activities, and environmental safeguards.
The Ministry affirmed that insights from the Eldoret session and similar engagements across the country will be incorporated before the final draft is tabled.